Sec. 964. [=Persons not employes of a mine.=] Persons not employes of a mine, except those permitted by law, shall not enter such mine or go upon the property connected therewith, unless consent of the owner, lessee or agent has been secured, and then only when accompanied by a guide furnished by such owner, lessee or agent.  This, however, shall not prohibit persons seeking employment at such mine, or the duly authorized representatives of the employes, from entering upon the property as may be necessary to make such application to the proper authority or to transact business, provided such persons do not enter the mine until given permission to do so, and do not stand on the tracks, go near the machinery, or other place of danger. (Penalty, Sec. 976.)

=General provisions.=

Sec. 965. [=Qualifications of miner.=] Each person desiring to work by himself at mining or loading, shall first produce satisfactory evidence, in writing, to the mine-foreman of the mine in which he is employed, or to be employed, that he has worked at least nine months with, under the direction of, or as a practical miner; provided, however, if the mine in which such person is to be employed generates explosive gas, or fire-damp, he shall have worked not less than twelve months with, under the direction of, or as a practical miner.  Except as hereinafter provided, until a person has so satisfied the mine-foreman of his competency, he shall not work, or be permitted to work at mining or loading unless accompanied by a competent miner.

[=Inexperienced miner.=] The provisions of this section shall not prohibit a person not so qualified from working in a mine by himself, or with another inexperienced person, when such person or persons work under the direction of a competent overseer, as hereinafter prescribed.  Until such person or persons have been employed in a mine for a period of not less than three months, the overseer shall visit the working place of such persons not less frequently than once in each four hours that such persons are in the mine, and instruct them as to their work and safety, and assist them in caring for their safety.  After such persons have been employed in a mine for a period of three months, and until they have been employed not less than six months, the overseer shall examine the working place not less frequently than once during each six hours that such persons are in the mine, and shall instruct them as to their work and safety, and assist them in caring for their safety.  After such persons have been employed in a mine for a period of not less than six months, the overseer shall examine the working place not less than once each day until such persons become qualified by having worked the period of time hereinbefore provided.  The overseer shall instruct such persons not to handle or use any explosives, except in his presence, until they have been employed in a mine not less than three months, and not then until he is satisfied that such persons are fully competent to handle and use same with safety.  The overseer shall visit the working place of such persons oftener than required herein, when, in his judgment, it is necessary to do so for the proper safety of such persons. (Sec. 954; Penalty, Sec. 976.)